The Connect Podcast

We have been on the journey of evolution, growth, and change since the moment of our conception. These layers were out of our control, and simply the flow of life as our spirits encompass these bodies. As kids, we began learning how to adapt as a means of survival: mentally, socially, and physically. We are designed to be in a family and community. Understanding and accepting that change is a constant part of our lives opens us up to endless adaptability and its fruit. Are we aware of the power and usefulness of adaptability? From a professional athlete to a policeman walking a beat, to a corporate attorney, adaptability is key for decision-making and even staying alive. We see it all around us in nature: animals use camouflage, sounds, poison, and various other tactics to hunt and defend themselves. Our own egos have used adaptability throughout our lives. Some examples of the ego’s patterns include people-pleasing, lying, and bullying. The main tell is that the ego will avoid all self-accountability by any means necessary. Sitting in meditation provides us with the self-reflection to process the use of adaptability in our lives.Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/-JxzSzI0UVU

We have all heard the term “when the dust settles”. It is challenging to navigate moments of chaos, as tension and emotions are heightened. Let’s shift our perspective on how we feel and view chaos. For many, it can be triggering and have a negative connotation. What if chaos is the bridge to growth? Maybe our societal conditioning has blinded us to the deeper value of these “chaotic” moments? Are we aware that there are levels to “chaos”? Are we aware that unprocessed moments can exacerbate what we perceive as chaotic or stressful? We may find ourselves in a moment of accountability that blindsides us and chalk it up to chaos. We may find ourselves broken down in a nearby town. Is this chaotic? If we look internally at our own definitions, understandings, and reactions to these moments, we are gifted with a bridge to growth and freedom. Understanding ourselves, why we react, and how to move past these triggers falls solely on our own shoulders.This, my friends, is the internal work, and the choice is always ours: to run, hide, and blame, or relax, be accountable, and face whatever is bubbling up from our internal melting pot. Chaos and discomfort reveal what is lurking within us, like a caged animal or an avalanche ready to be unleashed. We must dig deep and use our courage. The dragon presents itself often, in the ego's whispers to ignore. FEAR, face everything and RISE, the time is now!Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/OohW8DNwaRM

Sitting in meditation gives us the opportunity to become observers of our own minds. This practice is key because it breaks us out of the idea that we are the mind's chatter. As we sit observing, how can we be the chatterer and the observer at the same time? My friends, we are the observers; we are the consciousness being housed in these bodies. This process is shown in the Movie “Revolver”, the main character realizes the tricks and deception of his own ego, the mind's endless chatter. As we come to this realization, the illusion begins to crumble. Coming to this understanding can create a profound shift in our realities, perspectives, and perceptions. It can create turmoil, chaos, and discomfort. The ego will fight us internally to maintain control and the illusion that we are it. Once we see this, we cannot unsee it. We are here to live authentically, in truth, abundance, and vibrancy. The battle between our egos and our spirits becomes obvious to us. There is no going back, and we must show courage and align with our authentic selves, our spirits. As our own mask begins to slip and fall away, we are given new levels of awareness and can begin to see the illusion of others and the world we live in today.Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/XMCHudHYGTU

From the beginning of our journey on this planet, we feel a yearning and need for connection and love. As humans, we are social beings and the early years of nurturing and teachings code us accordingly. Taking into consideration how critical our younger years are, we can look within ourselves and begin to put the puzzle pieces together. Sitting in silence allows us to reflect deeply on our “why”. We can begin to see patterns of thoughts and behaviors that may be seeking love, attention, validation, or questioning self-worth. As we become aware of these patterns, we are presented with an opportunity to dig deeper and begin to choose a different reaction, choice and behavior. It will be a process of recognizing our own patterns and modifying the behavior until it genuinely becomes part of our being, and authentic. The process of sitting in silence and deeply reflecting becomes smoother as we practice it, and life begins to slow down and become more meaningful. Choosing to turn inwards instead of seeking outside of ourselves is a key sign on our hero’s journey that we are indeed on the path. All the answers we seek are already inside of us, waiting to be uncovered. Show courage and sit with yourself.Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/r9_19hMF-js

In today’s world, we can be bombarded with information, influence, and propaganda. Groupthink and social conformity can push us further from Self-awareness and critical thinking. It is key that we use discernment in what we expose ourselves and our children to. Music, movies, television “programming”, social media, news, and groupthink all play a part in our society's condition. So, ask yourself, “Who am I? “ By focusing on our internal awareness, we stay grounded. Choosing to self-identify as … You fill in the blank; we relinquish our power and authenticity and find ourselves seeking outside validation. When we look inwards and validate ourselves through self-awareness and self-knowledge, we tap into an unshakeable presence and internal knowing. This term and idea of identifying as are relatively new to the mainstream; we must be aware of how they are being wielded in our society. We build ourselves up through experience, connection, self-awareness, and facing challenges that shake us, helping us evolve into better versions of ourselves. The term live and let live was once mainstream and very popular; it’s a classic that still has a profound impact. We have unprogrammed and reprogrammed ourselves along this journey. Be very mindful of identifying as something outside of yourselves, friends.Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/r9_19hMF-js

Frustration and anger can manifest in many ways in our lives: mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. We have all had moments of chaos, feeling it building and building until it boiled over. The energy and state of mind created can be highly toxic for those catching our rath, and our own physical health as well. So, where does our frustration originate from, and how do we deal with it to minimize it? We can continue the cycle by blaming outside sources, people or situations, or we can turn inwards and get to the root source by taking full accountability for our actions and thoughts. Do we see our own patterns and how it affects others and us? Becoming aware and choosing to address our frustrations starts the process of understanding and diffusing them. Honesty, willingness, and courage are our tools in this time of ownership and action. By digging deep into us, we unlock who we are and our whys. We are operating from the ego and fear, or authenticity and love. The choice is yours, my friends. Owning all the internal layers of who we are can be scary and some intense work, but I can only promise you liberation on the other side!Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/DRvqq6s7nc0

“It takes a village to raise a child.” This saying accurately depicts my childhood. Looking back on it, God provided what I needed in an unconventional way. He used neighbors, grandparents, and sometimes complete strangers. When we are children, this is hard to comprehend, as we are unaware of the big picture. As kids, we are all dealt the most random of obstacles and blessings. Take a moment to reflect on your challenges and blessings. What really stands out as a positive and as a negative? Sit with these thoughts as they reflect in meditation. As adults, we must find a path of healing past the childhood moments that haunt us. It is our responsibility to heal so we can show up as healthier versions of ourselves for our children, thereby breaking the pattern of repeating. Focusing on healing our past puts us back in a position of power, authenticity, and alignment. We begin to see moments as opportunities to learn from, “why is this happening to me?” now becomes, “why is this happening to me?” We realize we are the ultimate choice makers on our hero’s journey!Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/lQeBLFwldAU

Have you ever thought of your life in terms of Expansion vs. contraction? Are we living a connected life full of new growth, learning, excitement, and fulfillment? Maybe it’s the flipside: disconnection, stagnation, loneliness, and seclusion. For deeper self- understanding, let’s use our awareness and look at our mental operating system. Is it a growth mindset, or a fixed mindset? We can truly design the life we want at any stage in our journey. Choosing an expansion mindset is one of the keys. Reading the above, is it obvious to us that a growth mindset is the only way to proceed? How bad do we want the life we dream of? Are we able, capable, and ready to make the choices and sacrifices necessary? Are we honoring our intuition? Do we hear the whispers of God? Do we need to be more loving, assertive, accountable, and forgiving? Making the time to sit with ourselves free of distractions allows us to process the unresolved. Expansion waits for us on the other side, my friends!Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/XHtR1dBRbZE

I am my brother's keeper; this statement is revered by people of integrity. It is an excellent example of Each One Teach One. It is exemplified by supporting yourself, your family & friends, and your community. Each one teach one is about becoming an individual and honoring your intuition with on-the-spot action. It is the opportunity to step into a void and be of service. What makes life so beautiful is the co mingling of layers of different customs and ways of being. We are all part of a community regardless of skin color or background, because we are human and the shared space is where we inter exchange. Life is sacred and tomorrow is not promised, so be of service to others when and where you can; you may build a lifelong friend in a straightforward chance encounter. Do we live our lives contracting or expanding - mind, body, and spirit? Step into the moment, lead with courage and love, be of service to someone in need, and Each One Teach One.Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/ne9RKdo_T2U

Live Event : https://youtu.be/rrndDcddK0Y

“I’m trying to save you from yourself.” These words hit like a ton of bricks as Mike described the sticky notes his mother left on his mirror. How often in our younger years did we not heed our elders' or parents' advice? As we reflect on our youth and lives, we can recall nuggets of wisdom waiting to be discovered. Reflection on our youth challenges us to face ourselves and moments that may be uncomfortable to remember. Some of our behaviors or limiting self-belief may stem from our upbringing. Commitment is required on our hero’s journey to avoid looping patterns that keep us from tapping into our limitless potential. We are often at the root of our problems. Self-sabotage, lack of self-awareness, and a lack of accountability will have us needing to be saved from ourselves. No one is coming to save us; the responsibility falls directly on us. We can support others with the purest intentions in every way, and these seeds may lie dormant for years. The desire to grow, evolve, and change must outweigh the desire for safety and comfort. Turn inwards and self-reflect, step into your courage and action. The best version of you awaits my friends!Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/rrndDcddK0Y

We have all been there. We were excited about starting something new, and then six weeks later, it stopped. Often, if we pause to think about what happened, our egos will begin making excuses or start with negative commentary. Now, let’s shift our mindset and perspective to the why. Why did I stop meditating or going to the gym? You insert what you backslid on. We can sit in silence, contemplating our 'why' for backsliding. Be brutally honest with yourself. It may be as simple as the fact that I wasn’t really into it. If it’s something health-related that will improve your wellbeing, you may need to strategize another approach and execution plan. Beginning new patterns is not easy. Being deeply grounded in our why is relevant to maintaining and enjoying the new endeavor. Dig into why you backslid, the perspective and clarity gained will be wisdom used in the near future! You didn’t come this far to only come this far, my friends!Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/rmc2pt8OArI

Effort and outcome go hand in hand in life. At some point in our lives, we feel the “check engine” light come on in our heads. We sense that something is off and not quite right. Prioritizing time for ourselves to reflect lends us a deeper understanding and Self-perspective. As we sit in silence, feeling the chaos melt away, the truth whispers to us, and clarity reveals itself. We can run our own diagnostics on what we need to address and the maintenance required. Deep meditation is crucial in preventing burnout and breakdowns. It’s an opportunity for a daily reset, refocus, and realignment as we continue our hero’s journey. Sitting with ourselves in silence can be uncomfortable in the beginning as our egos rise up in chatter and chaos. Everything in this life requires time and effort. Our internal reality is the filter we see the world through, and its state dictates our perception, perspective, and interactions. My friends, we must prioritize our internal Self- understanding and the maintenance required to keep us nurtured and healthy.Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/6RiFsc0K2KE

FEAR – Face everything and rise! Amanda shares her approach to conquering limiting beliefs, fear, doubt, and breaking free from old habits and patterns. She runs directly towards what her ego uses as fear. Are we aware of the tricks and limiting beliefs of our own egos? Can we recognize our own limiting beliefs, patterns, and the negative mental loops in our own heads? Cultivating our own Self-Awareness is monumental in recognizing what we need to sit with and process. My friends, no one is coming to save us, no one can change us, or face what is ours to own. It is our Hero’s Journey, and it is now time to step into our courage, determination, and willingness to face what we fear. As we step towards what we fear, our egos will apply more of what they use to keep us stuck under their control. We are not our egos; we are the observer, pure love, energy, and consciousness. It’s time to make the choice, the choice that puts you face-to-face with what is holding you captive. One moment of conquering at a time, and then we see it was all in our heads; the person staring at us in the mirror was the one holding us back.Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/DjDswmhwyQg

It is often said that “the worst times bring out the best & worst in people”. Extreme stress affects us all differently and can reveal who we are and where we need improvement. We have all had those moments of amazement at how we managed to survive a situation or event. These are examples of the extreme, but what about our day-to-day struggles? Do we carry the aftereffects of past moments around with us in our minds? It’s impossible to live in the now if we have not made time to process the past, breathe, release & and let go. Are we the victim of our lives or the victor? Why is this happening to me, or why is this happening for me? The state of mind that we cultivate plays a pivotal role in how we see ourselves, engage with others & and directly manifest what thoughts we lead with. The key is to understand where our own resistance comes from, why I am resisting this moment or this level of change. My friends, we must dig deeper within ourselves to understand our why. Embrace the struggle and lean into the moment. With momentum, you can push through anything and everything!Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/FDTcsiMUkio

Our childhoods set the stage as it is the beginning of our programming and understanding of this world. Most of us were raised by parents who simply repeated the programming given to them. This is common as doing the internal work to heal, elevate awareness and consciousness are not mainstream, as that would be a threat to those who make the rules. For some of us it was frustrating, painful and we often suppress and bury memories of our youth as the mind protects itself. It is important to remember that as kids we were simply doing the best we could with the situation we were in. By examining our thoughts and patterns we can strategize mitigations and solutions. Sitting in meditation, reflecting on our childhood offers deep insight by getting to the root of many of our why’s. We are all dealt challenges in many forms, no one is immune. By digging deep and processing our youth unbiased and brutally honest, we bridge the gap to profound self-awareness and understanding. This process may be very uncomfortable, but the clarity it brings is worth its weight in gold.Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/2fy5TK6a1d0

Pushing ourselves past comfortability opens us up to new levels never imagined. It’s time we connect with our inner brute, our raw juggernaut energy, and barbarian mindset. That does not mean to be overly outward aggressive, but it does mean to take your internal and external reality more by the horns. As we continue the process of refinement, mind, body, and spirit, it is common to seek comfort, safety, and the easy path we know by heart. When this thought comes into our heads, we must push past and stay focused on the task at hand. The easy path leads us where dreams go to die, and more of the same mundane life, we have chosen to break free from. We can do hard things now and have an easy life later, or do easy things now and have a hard life later. The strongest version of you is created by doing the hard things, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Commit to pushing yourself past the comfortable, and things will truly begin to change in your life. It all begins within ourselves. This is when we start to see that anything is possible.Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/junSCOmyqdI

Shawn Oddo said it best “choose you’re uncomfortable “. Do we stay stuck in the same patterns that bring the mundane familiar uncomfortable, or do we step into courage, humility and uncertainty? Do we continue in our limiting belief system, which keeps us on the same hamster wheel? The Get Unstuck live event was thought provoking and it’s my sincere desire that it shook you to your core! We all strive for a better life, friendships, health and wealth. Are we honestly building towards this goal consistently daily? Our health should be a priority as it is the vessel that our spirits use for travel. Pushing ourselves to reconnect or stay connected by going to the gym, playing tennis, or any form of vigorous challenging exercise is a must and a non-negotiable. Remember when you were a child, how much you moved, how effortless it seemed? The vibrancy of youth can be reattained, it is possible. The internal foundational building blocks earned through pushing yourself in exercise can not be understated. They transmute into every avenue and layer of your life and being. Here are a few: consistency, determination, courage, adaptability, perseverance, relentlessness, grit, fluidity, self-awareness, accountability, and fortitude to name a few. If you haven’t moved in a while or ever, start with walking. Little by little pushing past the comfortable achieved. Through this process you will gain momentum and build yourself into the vision and version of you that’s always been waiting. The time to act is now!Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/Ez-yYnrJhWY

Life is a journey, not a destination. Everyone’s life is met with different trials and tribulations, some inflicted by others, and most sadly, self-inflicted. As we gain Self-Awareness, we shift internally and truly begin to look at our own Hero’s journey with fresh eyes and perspective. Coach Gary shared some personal battles in the hope that someone would be inspired to have that “breakthrough moment.” We may feel like we're on the verge of breaking. You can feel all this build up internally, and it is very overwhelming. This, my friends, is a sign that a shift is coming, a blessing on the other side of the “breaking point”. As we step into our willingness and courage, we gain momentum to face whatever presents itself in our path. Have our experiences made us bitter or better? Self-evolution is a process; it takes time and is the natural course of our existence, much like the caterpillar's transformation into a butterfly. Change is a constant in life and should be embraced; the not knowing is where the magic is.Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/_AeFtnV8jF0

Alignment is not about chasing perfection; it’s about coming back into wholeness. True alignment happens when what you believe in your heart, what you think in your mind, and what you do with your body all move in the same direction. If you have experienced this, it is a dance with fluidity that’s hard to explain. When one of those pieces is out of sync and rhythm, we feel it immediately: anxiety in the chest, fog in the mind, restlessness in the soul. Many of us have lived so long out of alignment that disconnection feels normal, we ignore our intuition, push through exhaustion, and wonder why peace feels out of reach. But alignment is your natural state; it’s our pure authenticity and connection. It’s the inner spiritual connection, returning, the remembering of who you are underneath all the noise and programming. Flow is what follows. When you are aligned internally, life stops feeling like a battle to control and starts to feel like an invitation to trust your intuition; an incredible shift begins.Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/2eGBaYD6meY

There’s a quiet ache so many of us carry — the fear that we are not enough. Not spiritual enough. Not strong enough. Not worthy of love, healing, or peace. This fear is often born in the shadows of our upbringing, spiritual environments, or relationships, where we were taught to perform to be seen. We internalized the belief that love had to be earned, that we had to “fix” ourselves to be accepted, and that our worth was always one step away from being realized. But here’s the truth: you were never too broken. You were never too much. You were never not enough. The lie of “not enough” is the ego’s last defense — and your healing is its greatest threat. Recognizing the tricks of the ego enhances our awareness and provides us with the clarity we need. But real healing starts when we stop asking the world to co-sign our existence. You don’t need permission to believe in yourself. You don’t need a round of applause to stand tall in your truth. The love you’re seeking from others begins with the love you offer yourself. That’s what self-validation is: choosing, moment by moment, to trust what you know, what you feel, and who you are becoming. Lean in and trust the process!Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/l8AVkQdPk6g

Was I dreaming, or did it happen? Often, intuition can come to our awareness so subtly that we may dismiss it as fiction. In this episode, we hear from Jacob about how honoring his intuition has led to his passions, purpose, and blessings becoming a reality in his life. How do we react when we hear our intuition? Are we receptive to it? Have we committed to Self-reflection in our daily lives? Our intuition speaks to us daily, guiding us as the Holy Spirit leads the way. If we are not focused on removing, understanding, and dissolving our limiting beliefs, how can we be fully present to listen and act on our intuition? Please make no mistake, our intuition is a gift given to each of us. To fully maximize this gift, we must see our egos and work on dissolving traumas, shadows, and past grievances that our shadows and egos continually use to keep us under their control. We are all connected; we must each connect with ourselves to fully maximize our collective consciousness. Intuition is a gift that requires us to cultivate ourselves to be integrated and experience fully. Please continue with the internal work, as it will truly make all the difference on the road to an extraordinary life. Make it Extraordinary, my friends.Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/zEg_upDOnfU

As we continue the deep journey of self-awareness and knowledge, are we cultivating the reality of our heart's desire? Passion illuminates purpose, and purpose feeds passion more fuel to burn brighter. So, what are you passionate about? What gets your blood pumping, eyes dilated, gives you butterflies, and becomes timeless when you’re doing it? Mind, body, and spirit activation aligned through passion, purpose, and passion. The keys are timeless: awareness, self-knowledge, and rigorous honesty, all cultivated through reflection and meditation. Purpose becomes more obvious when we see ourselves as unique individuals, part of the collective consciousness. We are a link in the chain of everything that ever was and will be. Purpose and passion come to us naturally and effortlessly, and the more we are in flow, the more we continue to align ourselves from the inside out. Sitting with ourselves, processing past grievances, fears, regrets, triggers, and pains, frees us up and removes the barriers and weights holding us back from living a life of expansion and evolution.Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/ADhEfm-iLuk

Removing all titles, exterior identifiers of ourselves, and egotistical thoughts, we are left with our pure essence, awareness, and consciousness. In this state, we realize that we are pure energy. We are timeless, limitless, and never-ending. Energy does not die; it simply changes form; it’s transferred. So here we are having this experience in these bodies; we get one body and one go at this life. As we continue our Hero’s journey, our thoughts on what comes next after this may shift and change. We continue expanding our minds, hearts, awareness, and consciousness by gathering information and having downloads from the field of consciousness and God. The more we tune ourselves, our energy and life force ignite. We become exactly what we are: pure light, pure energy connected to the field of infinite possibility and consciousness. Purpose and passion become our way of life, letting go of the things that no longer serve us and don’t feel worthy of our time.Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/WRBzvkph-fw

The difference between your visions, dreams and desires manifesting into your reality is discipline. Discipline is connected and supported by so many layers, Self-love, adaptability, mindset, focus, fortitude, consistency and vision to name a few. In this episode we reframe discipline exploring our own personal relationship with it. It is in direct correlation to how we feel and think about ourselves, and our level of awareness. Are we in the mindset of expansion or contraction? Are we growing as individuals or staying the same and stagnating. This is our Hero’s journey; do we love ourselves enough to do what we need to do when we don’t “feel” like it? Are we actively striving to better ourselves mind, body and spirit daily? I present all these questions to provoke you internally to reflect, realize and engage discipline and Self-love to put your needs first. Without discipline the mind runs wild, and the connection to our authenticity fades. Sit with discipline and run it through your heart. Love yourself, you my friends are so worth it.Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/TLgsdiNQgoU

One of the most powerful things we can ever experience is self-redemption. We battle in our heads, “I want to be and do better “. Often, we are frozen without action. Cultivating redemption brings internal liberation, higher awareness & consciousness. For this to be synchronistic in our lives, we must desire to be truth seekers and self-accountable. We reach the point internally where we know and are willing to face the moment and redeem ourselves fully. We are excited because we know something new and different is unfolding internally. Our authenticity is now in control and spearheading our thoughts, focused on creating change. Having the rigorous honesty to look at ourselves objectively has been the catalyst to realizing this moment. We have the humility to acknowledge the actions that have led to regret or a negative experience. We step into our courage and have that heartfelt conversation, staying grounded in our humility, and freeing ourselves from the moment with full accountability, regardless of how it is received. The moment you commit, it brings you to a new timeline, creating change and breaking the old patterns. Free yourself, my friends.Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/7LLtbBElwz8

Understanding the long dark night is one of those “you had to be there moments”. We just came off such an amazing natural high, feeling connected to ourselves and everything outside of ourselves. Visions, downloads and feeling pure bliss connected to God. The next step is here, view it as a marker in the unfolding of the process to spiritual awakening. The long dark night is the death of the ego, not that it disappears. This reality will have you feeling numb, alone, and in a very unfamiliar place internally. It is normal in the process to want to disconnect from all your routine activities. Spending time alone is crucial, embrace it all and feel it all. Google a long dark night and gain some different insights on the process. The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond, by Michael Singer, is a profound testimony to his experience and incredible read. This process will stretch you beyond capacity, remember a few key foundational blocks, acceptance, courage, rest, process, fortitude, and surrender. Breath release and let go, this too shall pass. Lean into it, sit with it. Get to know yourself and watch the old you fade away.Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/Fyv_YKtdNuI

I forgive you. For some, it is difficult to verbalize and truly mean it. Compassion, empathy, and healing are all tied to forgiveness. The most important relationship we will ever have is with ourselves; forgiving ourselves is key. We think about forgiving someone and are hit with internal resistance; this is our ego holding on to the feeling, pain, and moment. This is where the ego gets its power. Healing and forgiveness remove our ego’s power. Forgiving ourselves is part of Self-love, letting go of what was, making room for what could be, and being fully present. Frame forgiveness in this context. Would you want to be forgiven for a selfish moment in time? Are we to be held captive by others and ourselves from past moments of our shortcomings? We have all been programmed with certain levels of ego-driven behavior, or the Connect Podcast would not exist. We would be living in our nature, our design. Living in a state of healed reality elevates our awareness as we slide up the map of consciousness. Forgiveness is a golden bridge to becoming what and who we were designed to be. We all have natural talent, whether it be mental, emotional, physical, or spiritual. As we forgive ourselves and others, we tap into the now. We understand that we are blank canvases ready for our choice of healthy programming. Forgiveness is about our healing and ability to let go and move forward..Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/mg-tc3tlieo

I am now responsible for my life. How many of us can honestly claim ownership of this statement? Taking full responsibility for every aspect of our lives is incredibly empowering! To achieve this mental reality, we must be rigorously honest about what has happened and where we currently stand. As we continue to map out our reality, clarity and self-accountability begin to merge with our vision. If we are unaware, how can we take action about what’s happening? It isn't comforting to come to terms with the fact that we are primarily a product of our programming. Understanding the role that unhealed moments and triggers play in shaping our self-perception and perceptions of others is eye-opening, to say the least. Our triggers are the treasure and gateway to exposing what needs to be dealt with internally for each of us. Hitting our point of being sick and tired of our experienced reality will be unique to each of us. In this exercise of writing it all out, we are shining a light past the ego to our truths. It will take layers of “why” and “why” to get past the ego’s response; keep digging internally until you reach the root causes.Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/lBgY_IMnY9s

We wake up one day and think, “How did I get here?” “What happened”? To understand our current reality and ourselves and how all our relationships unfold, we plot out our childhood realities in detail as we understand them. As we lay our understanding out visually, the picture takes shape. We can see the road map that has shaped our perspective, perception, and reality. This can be a very uncomfortable process, but it’s crucial in uncovering what needs to be healed from our youth. For this to be impactful, we must be rigorously honest and transparent. The live exercise in this episode can be duplicated at home with a dry-erase board, tablet, or school project-size white cardboard. Get yourself into a relaxed mind and body before the experience for deeper transparency. This is your Hero’s Journey, and truly understanding our origins is key to uncovering our why. Those who raised us did the best they could from the awareness and consciousness they were in then. People change, grow, and evolve. Show grace to yourself and others as it unfolds, my friends.Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/tP6ZvomTFTA

Thinking of our past can make us cringe or smile with humility and gratitude. This depends on where we are in our healing journey and the perspectives and perceptions gained. Do you think the way you did 15 years ago, with the same thoughts, perspectives, and desires? Most of us would lean to no; we change, be it ever so subtle, no matter how much we resist. Change is the only constant; we see it all around us if we are detail-focused. So why would we hang onto old programming, resentments, grudges, etc.? Does what happened 20 or 10 years ago still serve you? If it were food, it would be stale today and useless. The above is designed to open our minds, allowing us to see the past as simply a stage on our journey and help us shift into a relaxed body. Now that we are relaxed, solutions are merely a thought away. We have wronged people, and people have wronged us. Just as you are reflecting randomly on the past, the person who wronged you is also. Self-accountability is still there, no matter how dormant it is, waiting to lead the way. We survived it; it has passed and left us with memories, resentments, and tough lessons learned. We are here in this very moment to unshackle ourselves from what has been. We are aware, awake, and present. We stand and claim our power, our true authenticity; it’s time to breathe, release, and let go…Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/WI4ZqaNXVBU

It all begins in our minds. As we continue to reflect, we see the importance of our own mental health and mindset. Recovery and prevention are the drivers for a healthy growth mindset. The power of our own awareness reveals lingering internal unresolved, unhealed perceptions, moments, and feelings needing our attention. We all have that nagging feeling of things that need to be addressed internally. It is very challenging to be fully present with these unresolved moments. We sit with them to process, understand, honor, and fully accept them. We are no longer the mind-body connection to these past moments; we must prioritize the time necessary to free ourselves mentally and emotionally from our past. After reading this, what comes to mind? Does your ego take over with excuses or reasons? Self-love and Self-worth are the catalysts to prioritize recovery and prevention. If you struggle to see the above clearly, meditate on Self-love and Self-worth. You are the architect of your life in partnership with God. Let go of what no longer serves you. The only way out is through.Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/dFFx8z_X8MI

Tapping into beast mode requires us to release the idea of caring what others think in judgment. We must fully engage with our wide-eyed, growling, and laser-focused inner beast. In this mindset, we are unapologetically in a state of battle you vs. you. Pushing ourselves past our comfort zone into the uncomfortable creates growth. We can see what we are truly made of in this awkward zone. Nothing else matters, but this rep in this set is laser-focused on the present moment. Hyper-focused on technique, form, breathing, and proper rep speed. Those not tapped into this level of intensity will stare, observe, and possibly judge, as is human nature. This, my friends, is none of your business; this is your hero’s journey and your mission to expand, cultivate, and grow into the best version of you daily. Beast mode is addictive; it is a turbocharged energy, pump, focus, and mental clarity level. In this mindset, we are so in tune; we are relentless and unstoppable. We gain expanded awareness and are made aware of what we are all truly capable of, limitless potential through endless refinement. Cultivating and understanding this level of awareness may one day save your life, especially when you must confront a real present danger out on the street or in any situation outside the gym.Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/ue7h1xUKj9A

From episode one, we have been cultivating ourselves internally, setting the stage for this very moment! Now, my friends, it’s time to tap into the fountain of youth. Think back to when you were 7 years old and the endless energy you had; you could barely sleep some nights. This limitless energy is still inside of us. The key to unlocking it is to push our bodies using the mental cultivation acquired. Mind, body, and spirit must be activated to fully energize our being. Strength training activates our bodies and their processes. We discussed the many layers of our “why”. Our “why” is supported by the foundational items: consistency, dedication, courage, determination, etc. Making the time to self-reflect on this episode and meditate on our “why” and foundation is critical. Everything we need is already inside of us, waiting to be tapped. It is time to step in front of the mirror and look ourselves deeply in the eyes. It is time to be self-accountable and activate self-love. We train hard because we love ourselves, and we are blessed to be able to; tomorrow is not promised. Commit to your health, commit to your overall well-being, commit to tapping into your limitless potential through endless refinement, and commit to the Connect lifestyle. I promise you, my friends, your life will never be the same! I believe in each and every one of you; now believe in yourself and create the future you, one workout at a time!Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/I8i45zg1-zk

This episode lays out the importance of digging deeper into our hero’s journey and checking the vitality of our own internal wellness. Dr. Christina lays out the criticality of realizing and releasing trapped negative emotions. This process involves sitting in self-reflection, honest and open self-inventory. We must sit with it and process it. Making the time to be present in nature soothes our spirits and revitalizes us. We know instinctually what we need as we are spirits having a human experience. Have you ever felt drawn to swimming in a lake you are driving by, or are you aware of how you feel as you float in the ocean? Our self-awareness is our superpower to be cultivated internally. By digging deep into ourselves we can tap into profound healing and self-nurturing. Remember friends we are not our emotions; we are the awareness noticing the emotions. We are freeing ourselves from the past and the unhealthy restrictions it puts on us. The result of not choosing to heal is continued suffering, illness and negative energy and outlook on life. Trust the process, stay focused, stay committed to live in the present. Meditation with God is the key.Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/uvY1xbla6r0

How would you rate the quality of your overall life? Our programming as kids has tremendous relation to our core beliefs or lack thereof. Our thoughts and reasoning patterns lead to our reactions and actions. The quality of what is going on internally inside each of us determines what we push out to the world. It is our duty and responsibility to remove the clutter and chaos internally, allowing space for flow and the whispers of God. Is it more prudent to have twenty irons in the fire, or ten? Do we realize when we overburden ourselves and the drop in available attention and efficiency? As we continue to refine endlessly, quality must take a front seat. Are we placing attention with intentions when we think about quality? Do we have the clarity to see the quality within ourselves vs. the quantity? We must ask ourselves these questions using rigorous honesty. Sit with them in reflection, meditate on them in silence.Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/ZDodEvTbCKo

Champions aren’t born, they are forged through dedication, purpose, meaning, with resolve through the trials and tribulations of life. This path can be achieved by anyone as these attributes are all internal. Where the mind goes the body follows. Maybe you’ve heard the term “Heart of a Champion”? The champion mindset is anchored, by a heart of equal character. Reaching the Champion mindset is not easy, but we all have it within us. It will remain dormant until we tap into our limitless potential and endless refinement. From the outside people see the refined individual, what they don’t see is the climb to get there. The endless trials and tribulations, the many setbacks or temporary failures that are fundamental in forging the champion mindset. We often see ourselves in heroes, or those we see as champions, sharing certain fundamental layers and connecting with the energy associated. It all begins in the mind, and we are truly capable of anything. Is it in you? Do you truly desire to be a better individual and version of yourself? Are you willing to open your mind and heart fully to maximize your hero’s journey? Get uncomfortable with being complacent, you are capable of so much more my friends!Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/HM7eosAVMR0Check out Valhalla Training Grounds https://www.trainforvalhalla.com

The quality of our mindset is going to be critical for balance. As we continue to refine ourselves through rigorous honesty, the idea of balance becomes more attainable. The previous episodes lay out foundational layers we must maintain to keep us in the now and in balance. Self-awareness, accountability and self–reflection to name a few. When we are fully present, connected to ourselves, everything else dissolves away. The saying “time flies when you’re having fun” is an example of being fully present. Being present charges our energy levels and authenticity flows. It is who and where we were designed to be. We notice details and our awareness elevates the more we focus on being present. We begin to harmonize ourselves and everything in our lives. The power of presence is living in balance. Lost in the moment, be totally connected to the now, free of all fear and anxiety. We find our balance easily as we live in our passion and purpose. It comes to us effortlessly as we light up from within. What are your gifts to be shared with the world? What is your passion and purpose? Sit in silence, go past the ego and find yours!Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/QAdMRQxsGJ4

Welcome back as we track the awakening Edgar is experiencing in real time. For context, please watch episodes seventeen (17) and twenty-nine (29) as they will set the sequence we have been documenting. In this episode, we witness the shift that comes after the energy dissipates from the awakening. We are aware of transitions & can now see the importance of our foundational practices. Feeding our spirits what we need to maintain our connection to God that keeps us grounded. Like a fortified bunker built to shield from powerful blast, our foundational layers keep us from the ego’s power grab. The old saying, “Use it or lose it,” rings loud in the back of our minds, and is a reminder to continue or pick up the practices that have gotten us to this point. Grounding ourselves daily in prayer, meditation, and nature are key. Finding a healthy way to release negative pent-up energy is critical. Worse case scenario would be to go outside and yell, kick, and scream. When we push out the toxic, we empty ourselves, so we may be filled with love. Accountability is a vital strength as we proceed forward on our journey. This blessing of energy and bliss is unforgettable and a milestone along the way in our hero’s journey.Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/83QoWeemjDo

Welcome to the spiritual breakthrough! The energy and feeling of being connected to God is such a powerful and jaw dropping experience. It is difficult to fully express. Deep peace, blissfulness and feeling whole are some expressions that come to mind. A sense of connectedness to everything all at once. Humility was the key to unlocking this potential. God was just waiting on us to reach out humbly. He gifts us with our new reality, perspective and perception. Unless someone has gone through this experience, you will appear ridiculous in trying to share with them. This is your hero’s journey and all that matters is you continue the internal work that got you here. Continue to cultivate yourself, mind, body and spirit. You are now fully unplugged from the matrix and now every choice you make is with full conscious. Now that you can see your ego clearly and know there is a creator that you are now in partnership with, will give you a newfound sense of peace and trust. Every moment in your life needed to unfold exactly as it has for this reality to now manifest. My question to you is this, what are you going to do with it?Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/8KWNK5mXeMU

Why is it so uncomfortable to be self-accountable? Why does this trigger us immediately to be resistant? Can we see this within ourselves clearly? Every episode has been a puzzle piece in the series “Connecting with Ourselves”. Surrender is that final completion piece. Throughout this process and journey, we have learned a lot about ourselves, and we should see our egos behavior with certainty. Now we transition into action, resilience, & humility. We are part of God & the collective consciousness. Each of us playing our part in the dynamic theater we experience as life. We are designed to be in partnership with God, but having free will, it must be our choice. He is waiting on us to humble ourselves and surrender to Him. Life has given us plenty of opportunity to learn humility. Revisit episode 17 with our guest Edgar, he is genuine and transparent in his moment of surrender to God. Calling out to him for relief and partnership. In episode 20, Dillon recounts his two moments of surrender, breaking past the ego’s barriers of fear and comfortability. It takes courage to move with love, trust, and truth.Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/Yk2iuE-ybfQ

Acknowledging, recognizing, & reflecting are the guard rails on the road to acceptance. Resistance is in the path to acceptance. So, let’s walk through the layers. Denial starts the minute we hear or become aware of something that rocks us to the core. Next our mind shifts to anger, frustration & aggression. We then begin to realize we may be able to talk ourselves out of the current reality, so we begin bargaining, a nuanced version of denial. Depression is close behind leaving us feeling empty and numb, energy has left our being. The seed of acceptance takes root now and we see the light at the end of the tunnel. Now we arrive at acceptance and are glad this roller coaster is over. Wow, that was rough. The layers just described can overlap and will slightly be different in detail for each of us, however this is the framework. Do you recognize the process within yourself? Does this sound familiar? The key is to honor the feelings that arise, process, own and deal as they unfold. Denial of the process will only prolong it, and sadly many of us get stuck in one layer of the process and become prisoners of it. This is a very taxing reality to experience. The process is the same for accepting an egotistical character trait that we have. This is the internal work; this is the process in slaying our own dragons. Many of our unhealed traumas get so pushed down inside of us we imagine they are non-existent, until something random resurrects them.Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/E9V8J3OX_FA

The human experience is grounded by our hearts. It is the compass God gifted us, to value, lead and keep us connected to ourselves and humanity. When we sit in silence and truly run our ideas and thoughts through our hearts, we can feel a positive or a negative pulse. As we continue to tune ourselves internally, our heart awareness elevates and becomes more noticeable, it is very subtle. We feel lighter and less burdened by trivial things. We can feel the pulse people put off, negative and positive, and the body language they show us. Making the choice to use heart awareness raises our vibration and elevates our energy. This internal awareness feeds our authenticity and helps keep us connected to the present. The most magical moments in our hero’s journey are heart felt. These moments are pure connection to the best of humanity. This state of consciousness keeps us hopeful, energetic, in balance and vibrant! Thought – Action – Result (TAR) is a concept you will begin to discover as you step into this higher level of awareness.Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/DSkwMVv1r3o

We are not our ego, the voice in our heads. We are the awareness that observes the mind chatter. This understanding is key as we focus on self-reflection and how to incorporate it into our daily lives. Prioritizing alone time to self-reflect minimizes the buildup of chaos and procrastination, leading to judgement and regret. Self–reflection helps keep us grounded and present so we can process the recent past and make peace with it. We utilize self–accountability, focus, self–love & compassion. The perspective and perception gained fuel our growth and clarity. We can now see ourselves and others through the lens of dynamic change. We continue to build momentum pushing ourselves past the comfortability by being self-accountable. The quality of our lives will dramatically improve as we focus on making self-reflection part of our lifestyle.Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/7Owe7VFwAJE

Our spirits yearn to be and feel connected to the source. Although we may come from a variety of different religious backgrounds, the commonality is the connection to a higher power, our creator, the source. Making the time to self-reflect on our individual faith and relationship with God brings our awareness into action. Building and cultivating are the results of learning and challenging ourselves. Reading the scripture from your religion is key in the lessons to be learned. However, reading falls short if courage is absent. What good is knowledge and wisdom without application? Tapping into our connection and relationship with God unveils limitless energy, motivation and potential. We are then able to live the life we have been designed for by the creator. We see the trials and tribulations as a sharpening stone instead of life draining. Look around you at all the intelligent designs, nature, your body, your ability to choose. We have been given the keys to operate, are we truly making the most of this precious thing we call life?Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/KLUgPs2djQA

Vulnerability is pure strength. It takes courage to be vulnerable, transparent, and authentic. Operating from a growth mindset supports the ability to see vulnerability as strength. Centering ourselves and cultivating our authenticity feeds our courage to share who we are fully in transparency, humility and gratitude. It’s difficult to maintain this with our own ego and outside judgement of others. Self-awareness provides the vantage point of decision making. Do we sink back into the fixed mindset because we are judged, or our own ego is relentless in trying to derail us? When we are presented with these moments, we must respond with courage. We didn’t come this far to only come this far. In that space between moments, we choose to make the courageous decision of staying in our authenticity. It is in staying true to our own selves that courage is cultivated, refined and fortified. The world will always judge you no matter what decision you make, so be at peace my friends and always choose your authenticity.Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/2JzGu4yDhvE

When we reflect on our past experiences, do we see them as adventures and lessons learned? Do we truly see the layers and how the trials and tribulations affected us or are we dismissive? The idea of “A Hero’s Journey” allows us to frame past, current and future moments in a new perspective. It gives us the ability to truly extract all meaning and value from our experiences. We are all in a state of constant observation, reflection, and application. Reflection enhances refinement. By using honesty, courage, and self–accountability the layers in our minds open to fully process the journey. Think of an experience that was difficult for you. Then, by examining this experience and reflecting deeply, we help create future road maps. Process the experience through the lens of a hero’s journey. Break it down into segments and all the details associated with each segment. This will take some time and effort, but the reflection, lessons learned, and wisdom gained will be priceless friends.Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/_ZK9-Uw0Ib0

The power of the mind is truly limitless and remarkable. In order to tap into it’s potential, we must set it up for success cultivating an environment of enrichment. Pushing ourselves to choose healthy options for it’s benefit. Everything that we take in feeds our mindset; the music, movies, books and people we take in and surround ourselves with influences our mindset. Time blocking for meditation polishes our spirits and directly affects our mindset. These are a few examples of how our mindsets can be influenced. We have the power to create the mindset we seek using the art of awareness. Our mindsets have been created by our past experiences and current realities lived. This is why healing from past traumas and moments is key to having a healthy and sustainable mindset. How can we be in a growth mindset if we are living in the past based on tragic moments, bad decisions, and so on? Peeling the onion once again shows itself and its importance in how our lives are affected. Breath – release – and let go. Make the time to sit with the most pressing negative thoughts or moments that are on your radar. Do the internal work as it will truly make all the difference.Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/4UjdVeh1yLM

What a blessing to have Dillon with us sharing some pivotal moments in his journey. How many times have we faced challenges and felt helpless in our lives? These moments push us past our comfort zones and into uncertainty and possibly darkness. In these critical moments it is imperative to know that this too shall pass. This one moment does not and will not define our lives. Digging deep into our core foundation is key to center ourselves and not allow our ego to push us further over the edge. Surrendering in these moments can push us past our ego control, closer to God and the Universe. Show courage, dig deep, and know this moment will serve as a great learning experience once it has passed.Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/fGxtaaMdv9o

The internal work – This process is how we free ourselves of the past. Those moments can continue to tax our spirits and our ability to live fully in the now. The past moments that keep us hesitant and fearful of the future. You will need dedication, patience, and persistence. The internal work is sitting with yourself alone, free of all distraction and interruption with the intent of processing the moment you are confronting. This can be done with eyes closed in meditation or with your eyes opened. As we approach this moment, we need to keep two things constant in our heads, self–accountability and total honesty. You may have had moments of doing the internal work in your life, reflecting on an occasion. This time will be different as we are fully aware, engaged, and intentional with our reflection, while being totally honest and self-accountable. Replay the moment in your head, all of it as you know it to be true. Apply any other accounts of what happened if you are certain that they are factual. Relax, take a deep breath, and begin the work in your head. Replay the moment and relax while you breathe through it. Feelings associated with the moment will begin to surface and that is part of the process. We engage in this internal work to free ourselves from it, to own it and accept it as part of the past. Then, we can gain all the wisdom available from those experiences. Be mindful of the ego’s resistance as you begin to replay these moments. The ego loves to play the blame game. That is a true identifier that comes from our egos. Remain still, be honest and self-accountable. Replay the moment again accepting it fully, owning your part in your inaction and/or actions. Focus on breathing and relaxing through the process. Release the pain and toxicity from your heart. This can be a very emotional process. Honor yourself by doing what you need to do, cry, yell, kick or scream if you need to begin and release the negative energy. Follow along with the exercises in the journal that you can download for FREE here: https://theconnectionstudio.myshopify.com/products/the-connect-companion-journal-episode-19